Identifying the law schools with the best professors is a key factor for prospective students and legal professionals evaluating educational quality. According to the Princeton Review rankings for 2024, several institutions stand out for their exceptional faculty:

#1 University of Virginia School of Law

Ranked first, the University of Virginia School of Law is celebrated for its approachable and student-focused professors. UVA's faculty members are renowned for their accessibility and commitment to teaching, fostering a collaborative and supportive academic environment.

#2 University of Chicago Law School

Known for their rigorous intellectual approach, the faculty at UChicago combines theoretical expertise with practical insights, preparing students for the complexities of legal practice. The school’s emphasis on critical thinking and scholarly excellence is a significant draw for prospective students.

#3 Duke University School of Law

Duke University School of Law’s faculty bring a wealth of practical experience and academic achievement to the classroom. Duke professors are leaders in their fields, contributing to legal scholarship and practice. Their ability to bridge theory and real-world application provides students with a well-rounded legal education.

#4 Vanderbilt University Law School

Professors at Vanderbilt are deeply involved in mentoring and student development, ensuring that students receive personalized guidance and support throughout their legal education. The school’s strong focus on teaching quality is reflected in its high ranking.

#5 University of Notre Dame Law School

Notre Dame’s professors are recognized for integrating ethical considerations into their teaching, preparing students to practice law with integrity and responsibility.

Rounding up the top 10 are: 

#6 Florida State University College of Law

#7 Stanford University School of Law

#8 University of Georgia School of Law

#9 University of California, Los Angeles School of Law

#10 University of Michigan Law School

Criteria Used for the Ranking

The Princeton Review ranking is based on law student ratings of their professors’ teaching abilities and their accessibility outside the classroom, as well as school reported data about enrollment and admittance. The key criteria used include:

• Admittance Difficulty – includes median LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs, percent of applicants accepted, and the percent of accepted applicants who enroll.

• Classroom Experience – based on student answers about teacher’s  capabilities, availability, teaching methods and tolerance to differing views in class.

• Student Competitiveness – includes number of hours spent studying, degree of competitiveness in school activities.

• Career Prospects – includes median starting salaries of graduating students, number of students employed and the percentage of students who pass the bar on the first try.

• Diversity and Equality – based on the percent of the student body who are women or minorities and whether they receive equal treatment.

These rankings by Princeton Review provide valuable insights into the quality of faculty at leading law schools. For legal professionals and prospective students, understanding the strengths of these institutions can inform key decisions about education and career development.